North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging

Raymond Mai, 91, of Utica has been selected by Area Agencies on Aging in Kansas to be honored as Keeping Seniors in the Game! First Pitcher on Sunday, July 26, at the 7 p.m. feature game of the National Baseball Congress (NBC) World Series.

The 81st NBC World Series happens at Wichita’s Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.  Games begin Friday, July 24, and go until the NBC Championship game on Saturday, Aug. 8.

Mai is one of 16 Kansans over age 80 throughout the state selected for the honor. Keeping Seniors In The Game recognizes the vitality and contributions of older Kansans and raises public awareness of the services of Area Agencies on Aging–the national network of groups that provide unbiased answers and real help to seniors and family caregivers with the goal of helping seniors stay happy and independent in their home communities.

Mai’s baseball connections span decades. He was paid by Damar for two years and also pitched for The Hays Larks for a couple games. His favorite baseball memory is when his Damar team in the West Central Kansas League beat the Hays Larks.  Mai recalls that the League was a pretty good in the late 1940s and the Hays Larks always went to the state tournament–so this win was a big deal

Besides keeping up with his favorite sports teams, Mai and his wife, Peggy Sue, keep up with three daughters — Delma, Dana, and Debbie–their six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Ray enjoys traveling in Kansas –and enjoys casinos and playing poker. He’s been a member of the Hays Poker Club for 26 years.  He is also a member of the Methodist church in Arnold and the Eagles in Wakeeney.

Mai was nominated by the Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging in Hays and also by the Southwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging in Dodge City that serves Ness County.

“We are very happy to work with the National Baseball Congress Foundation to recognize the vitality of older Kansans and the important contributions they make to our country, our hometowns and our communities,” said Julie Govert Walter, Executive Director of the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging who leads the Keeping Seniors In The Game! initiative.

The NBC World Series was founded by baseball innovator Hap Dumont in 1934. Over the years, the NBC has launched the careers of many baseball icons. The 81st World Series includes teams from throughout the United States. For NBC World Series information and ticket prices go to www.nbcbaseball.com or call 316-977-9400.